Sprinkler unit

ABSTRACT

An improved sprinkler for use with a hose capable of being pierced wherein the sprinkler is adapted to be driven into and through the hose so that a recess in the sprinkler places the interior of the hose in fluid communication with a region exteriorly thereof to allow water flowing through the hose to enter the recess and exit therefrom into the region. One form of the sprinkler includes a shaft having a slot in its outer surface for defining the recess. The slot can have any one of a number of different configurations. Another form of the sprinkler includes a shaft having a tubular segment having a fluid passage forming the recess. In both forms, the shaft is sufficiently long so that a part of the shaft is adapted to project outwardly from a hose and to be used to anchor the hose against movement when water flows through the hose.

Unite States Patent 1 1 Mastman Aug. 7, 1973 SPRINKLER UNIT [76] Inventor: Gary J. Mastman, 5150 Graves Pr'mary Emmmer uoyd Kmg Ave San Jose, Calif 95129 Attorney-Stephen S. Townsend.,John L. McGannon et al. [22] Filed: Nov. 15, 1971 21 App]. N0; 198,859 [571 ABSTRACT An improved sprinkler for use with a hose capable of 52 0.5. C] 239/272, 239/276, 239/551 being Pierced the sprinkler is adapted be [51 Int. Cl. A62c 31/22 dnYen into and *Q t hose so a F in the 58 Field 61 Search 239/271, 272, 276, P F' Places f hose fluld commu' 239551 267 n1cat|on w1th a regton extenorly thereof to allow water flowing through the hose to enter the recess and exit [56] References Cited tllieriefromhintti1 the regioln. One form of 111:? sprfinklarfinc u es a s a t avmg as ot 1n 1ts outer su ace or e 1n- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing the recess. The slot can have any one of a number 1,520,048 12/1924 Baird 239/272 f difi'erent configuration Another form of the prin- 115277222 2/1925 f F 239/551 kler includes a shaft having a tubular segment having ggtg a fluid passage forming the recess. In both forms, the 2 l96 456 4/1940 Cherro i n :I::..................::::: 239 272 Shaft is sufficiently long that a pan of the shaft is 2:563:300 8/1951 Aker 239/272 adapted to Project (madly from a hose and to be 3,269,664 8/1966 Lamb at alm 239/272 used to anchor the hose against movement when water 3,425,632 2 1969 Stout 239/276 fl s through th hose. 3,638,863 2/1972 Roberts 239/276 26 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTED W 7 75 sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR. GARY J. MASTMAN ATTORNEYS FIGJI FIG.|O

PATENTEB 7975 3. 750. 956

SHEEI 2 9f 2 5 F|G.l2o

FIGJS/ I N VEN TOR.

GARY J. MASTMAN Y W ATTORNEYS SPRINKLER UNIT This invention relates to improvements in sprinkler systems of the type used for lawns and shrubs and, more particularly, to a sprinkler unit capable of piercing a hose to place the interior of the hose in fluid communication with a region exteriorly thereof.

The present invention is directed to a sprinkler unit in the form of a spike or shaft which is adapted to be readily driven into and through a hose ofa material capable of being pierced, such as one made of plastic or rubber. The sprinkler unit has a fluid passage at one end thereof and such passage is located so that, when the shaft has been driven into the hose and is properly positioned relative to it, the passage communicates both with the interior of the hose and with a region immediately exteriorly of the hose. Thus, water flowing through the hose can flow into the passage, through the latter and out of the same in the form of a spray whose pattern is determined by the configuration of the fluid passage.

The invention is an improvement over the sprinkler device of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,196,456, issued Apr. 9, 1940. In this patent, the disclosed sprinkler device is capable of piercing a hose and has a body provided with a relatively large number of parts, certain of which require that the assembly of the device be completed only after another part has been driven through a hose. The device is complicated in construction and is expensive to manufacture and assemble.

The present invention provides a sprinkler unit which is much simpler in construction with respect to that of the above-mentioned patent and requires essentially no assembly. To this end, the invention utilizes a minimum of parts, can be quickly and easily driven through a hose and is provided with improved fluid exit means, the configuration of which can be selected from any one of a number of different configurations so as to be suitable for a wide variety of sprinkling applications.

In one form of the invention, the spike or shaft has a slot in its outer surface near one end, the slot extending longitudinally of the shaft. A head is attached to the end of the shaft near the slot. The length of the slot is such that it can extend into a hose after the shaft has been driven into and through the hose; thus, the slot can place the interior of the hose in fluid communication with the region immediately exteriorly of the hose. Water can then flow through the hose, into the slot and out of the same in a predetermined spray pattern depending upon the configuration of the slot and its location relative to the head. The shaft itself is sufficiently long so that it will have a portion projecting outwardly from the hose for anchoring the latter, such as by being driven into the ground or by being coupled to a base adapted to rest on the ground.

In another form ofthe invention, the shaft has a first part which is tubular for communicating with a hose and a second part which is to be driven into the ground or into a supporting base. Both parts are to be driven into the hose but the second part is to be driven through the hose.

In both forms of the invention, the construction of the sprinkler unit is simple and rugged to permit any one with little or no mechanical skills to make a sprinkler system utilizing a number of such units driven through a hose at spaced locations along the same. The sprinkler unit of this invention can also provide a permanent sprinkler system or one that can be moved from place to place. For a permanent system, the shaft of the sprinkler unit normally will be driven into the ground, although it is possible to pull the shaft out of the ground and move it to another location. For a movable system, the shaft will normally be coupled to a base after being driven through a hose, whereby the sprinkler system defined by a number of sprinkler units in a hose can be rolled up after use and stored or moved to another place for use.

The primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide an improved sprinkler unit of the type capable of being driven into and through a hose for placing the interior of the latter in fluid communication with a region exteriorly of the hose wherein the unit is simple and rugged in construction, can be quickly coupled to a hose, and can be provided with any one of a number of different fluid exit configurations so as to provide any one of a number of different spray patterns for fluid issuing therefrom.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sprinkler unit of the type described wherein the unit can either be driven into the ground to form a permanent sprinkler system or can be supported on a base after being driven through a hose so as to form only a temporary sprinkler unit.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings for an illustration of the various embodiments of the invention.

In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one form of the sprinkler unit of this invention, showing the location of the fluid exit slot in the unit as. the latter extends through a hoseand into the ground therebelow;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1; i

FIG. 3 is a top plan .view of two sprinkler units of the type shown in FIG. 1 with the sprinkler units being coupled to a hose at spaced locations along the same;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. I but showing another type of fluid exit slot for the sprinkler unit;

FIG. 4a is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a modification of the form of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are views similar to FIG. 5 but showing specific configurations of the slot;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 1 showing another form of the sprinkler unit;

FIG. 9a is a side elevational view of the sprinkler unit of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of another form of the sprinkler unit;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of another form of asprinkler unit;

FIG. 12. is a side elevational view of a form of the sprinkler unit having a base for supporting the same when it extends through a hose;

FIG.- 12a is a top plan view of the sprinkler unit of FIG. 12, looking in the direction of line -121: of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a form of the sprinkler unit similar to the form of FIG. .12 but showing a different head configuration;

FIG. 13a is a top plan view, looking in the direction of line ISa-lllaof FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a form of a twopiece sprinkler unit;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another form of a two-piece sprinkler unit;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another form of a sprinkler unit suitable for use with a conventional sprinkler head;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another form of the sprinkler unit of the type having aside slot; and

FIG. 17a is a perspective view of the split, slotdefining sleeve of the sprinkler unit of FIG. 17.

The first embodiment of the sprinkler unit, denoted by the numeral 10, is comprised of an elongated spike or shaft 12 having a circular cross section (FIG. 2) and provided with a conical tip 14 at one end thereof so that the spike can be driven into and through a hose formed of a material capable of being pierced, such as plastic, rubber and the like. Instead of having tip 14, spike 12 can be tapered throughout the major portion of its length to facilitate driving the same into and through hose 20. Also, spike 12 can be externally threaded so that it could be screwed into and through the hose, if desired.

Spike 12 has a flat head 16 at the opposite end thereof. The top surface of the head can be provided with a groove for receiving the blade of a screw-driver if spike 12 is provided with external threads. The spike resembles an elongated nail except for the fact that it has a slot 18 formed in the side thereof adjacent to and below the lower surface 17 of head 16. For purposes of illustration, slot 18 has a depth which progressively decreases as surface 17 is approached. The length of slot 18 is such that it can communicate both with the interior of hose 20 and a region exteriorly of the hose when spike 12 extends through the hose as shown in FIG. 1. Also, spike 12 has a length permitting it to be driven into the ground after it has been driven through the hose. Thus, the spike is anchored against movement with respect to the ground. For purposes of illustration, spike 12 has a length of 7 inches. Also, the spike can be formed from a suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

Slot 18 is tapered for controlling the volume of waterflow therethrough. Thus, the volume rate of flow of water from the slot will be determined by the amount by which the slot projects outwardly from the hose.

In use, spike 12 is driven through hose 20 until head 16 is near the hose but slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 1. The spike can be driven into-the ground as it is being driven through the hose or thereafter. Thus, the spike will be anchored in the ground to prevent movement of slot 18 relative to the ground. Then water is caused to flow through the hose so that the water can exit through slot 18.

In the operative position of spike 12 (FIG. 1 slot 18 extends through the adjacent wall portion of the hose and allows water flowing through the hose to pass out of the same, through the slot, against lower surface 17 of head 16, and to exit from the slot in the direction of arrow 24. The shape of the slot can be such that the water issues in specific pattern, such as the diverging spray pattern as shown in FIG. 3.

Sprinkler unit 10, therefore, provides a one-piece construction which is simple to use and can be quickly and easily driven into and through a hose to form a sprinkler system for a particular area, such as the region at the base ofa shrub. Generally, the sprinkler system will be comprised of a number of such sprinkler units 10 arranged at spaced locations along the length of a hose as shown in FIG. 3. The various spikes 12 of sprinkler units 10, once they are driven into the ground, will form a permanent sprinker system and the hose can even be covered with dirt to conceal, to some extent, the presence of the system, care being taken to assure that the upper end of each slot 18 is free to permit discharge of water therefrom.

The preferred way of driving the spike into a hose is to first couple the hose to a water source and then provide water pressure to the hose such as by plugging the end remote from the water source. Then, with the hose expanded, the spike is driven into the hose until water issues from the slot. The slot will be oriented in the desired direction as the spike is driven into the hose.

In use, spike 12 is driven through hose 20 until head 16 is near the hose but slightly spaced therefrom as shown in FIG. 1. The spike can be driven into the ground as it is being driven through the hose or thereafter. Thus, the spike will be anchored in the ground to prevent movement of slot 18 relative to the ground. Then water is caused to flow through the hose when one end of the hose is plugged so that the water can exit through slot 18.

In the operative position of spike 12 (FIG. 1), slot 18 extends through the adjacent wall portion of the hose and allows water flowing through the hose to pass out of the same, through the slot, against lower surface 17 of head 16, and to exit from the slot in the direction of arrow 24. The shape of the slot can be such that the water issues in specific pattern, such as the diverging spray pattern as shown in FIG. 3.

Sprinkler unit 10, therefore, provides a one-piece construction which is simple to use and can be quickly and easily driven into and through a hose to form a sprinkler system for a particular area, such as the region at the base of a shrub. Generally, the sprinkler system will be comprised of a number of such sprinkler units 10 arranged at spaced locations along the length of a hose as shown in FIG. 3. The various spikes 12 of sprinkler units 10, once they are driven into the ground, will form a permanent sprinkler system and the hose can even be covered with dirt to conceal, to some extent, the presence of the system, care being taken to assure that the upper end of each slot 18 is free to permit discharge of water therefrom.

Another way of driving the spike into a hose is to first couple the hose to a water source and then provide water pressure to the hose such as by plugging the end remote from the water source. Then, with the hose expanded, the spike is driven into the hose until water issues from the slot. The slot will be oriented in the desired direction as the spike is driven into the hose.

In FIG. 4, spike 12 is shown with a slot 18a having a slightly different configuration from slot 18, slot 18a being transversely V-shaped (FIG. 5) and arcuate (FIG. 4) and extending into lower surface 17 of head 16 to provide a smooth transition in the direction of waterflow through the slot rather than having an abrupt change in the waterflow direction (FIG. 1) when the water strikes lower surface 17. Thus, slot will provide a spray pattern different from that obtained with slot 18 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 also shows how slot 18a extends into lower surface 17 and extends to the outer periphery thereof.

In FIG. 4a, spike 12 is provided with a sleeve 25 which is press-fitted or loosely fitted thereon to protect against blockage of the slot 18b thereof, the latter having, for purposes of illustration, a rectangular configu ration and terminating at surface 17. Sleeve 25 has a cylindrical sidewall 26 which prevents portions of hose from extending into slot 18b and has an annular split flange 27 at its upper end for engaging surface 17 and for defining a fluid exit port 28 communicating with slot 18b. Sidewall 26 may be tapered so that its inner end merges smoothly with the outer surface of spike 12.

Other slot configurations are shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a slot 180 which is transversely U-shaped and extends to lower surface 17 of head 16. The slot could also extend into surface 17 such as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a slot 18d which is semi-cylindrical in that it is formed by removing one-half of spike 12 for a short distance measured away from head 16. It is also possible to form a groove in lower surface 17 to provide an extension of slot 1811, if desired. FIG. 8 shows four, U-shaped slots l8e formed in spike 12 at circumferentially spaced locations thereon. In all cases, it is to be understood that each of the various slots will be sufficiently long so that it can'simultaneously communicate with the interior of the hose and a region exteriorly thereof when the corresponding spike is driven through the hose. It is also to be understood that eachtslot can extend into surface 17 of head 16, if desired, so as to obtain a specific spray pattern. The purpose of the slot extension in the head is to adjust the water spray to the angle of slot 18 and also to prevent the slot from being plugged by driving the spike too far into the hose. Thus, even if the head engages the hose, waterflow will not be blocked because of the slot extension in the head. This is because the sides of the slot extension in surface 17 will limit any tendency for the spray to diverge. When waterflow through a slot stops abruptly at surface 17, the waterflow tends to fan out in a diverging pattern rather than in a relatively narrow stream such as would be the case if a groove were formed in the lower surface of the head.

In FIGS. 9 and 9a, spike 12 is shown with a convex lower surface 170 on head 16. This convex surface extends through an angular distance of about 180 and overlies a slot l8fwhich is generally rectangular in configuration and has an open, upper end spaced below surface 17a (FIG. 9a). This particular configuration provides a specific spray pattern wherein the spray not only fans out but flows upwardly and outwardly from the head so as to achieve a greater distance and wider angle of travel from the head.

Another embodiment of a slotted sprinkler unit of this invention, denoted by the numeral 30, is shown in FIG. 10. It includes a spike 32 having a groove or slot 34 extending thereinto from the normally uppermost end thereof. Spike 32 is provided with a pointed end similar to that shown in FIG. 1 or is tapered so that it can be driven into and through a hose 36 of a suitable material capable of being pierced. A cap 38 having a cylindrical sidewall 40 and an end wall 42 is carried on the slotted end of spike 32 so that sidewall 40 covers slot 34 for the same purposes as sleeve (FIG. 4a). Cap 38 is provided with a fluid opening 44 in sidewall 40 with opening 44 communicating with slot 34 so that water passing from hose 36 and into the slot will exit therefrom through opening 44 and thereby be sprayed in the direction of arrow 46. Cap 38 may be press-fitted or loosely fitted onto the upper end of spike 32 and can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. Sidewall 40 extends partially into hose 36 when spike 32 is in its operative position. The spike can have a smooth outer surface, as shown or can be externally threaded so that it can be screwed into hose 36, if de sired.

In use, spike 32 is driven through hose 36 after cap 38 has been placed on the upper end of the spike. The travel of the spike through the hose continues until opening 44 approaches the hose and moves into the position shown in FIG. 10, in which position the opening is disposed to receive water from slot 34 when a waterflow is established in the hose.

While sidewall 40 of cap 38 is shown as being cylindrical and of a greater diameter than spike 32, it is possible that the spike could be turned down at its slotted .end so as to permit sidewall 40 to be placed thereon when the sidewall is cylindrical and has the same outer diameter as the spike. In the alternative, sidewall 40 could be tapered so that itinerges smoothly at its inner end with the spike.

An embodimentof a tubular sprinkler unit, shown in FIG. 11 and denoted by the numeral 50, includes an L shaped spike 52 having a lower, normally upright portion 54 and an upper, normally horizontal portion 56. A fluid passage 58 is disposed in a part of portion 54 and throughout the length of portion 56 and a number of openings 60 extend laterally from passage 58 and place the latter in fluid communication with the interior of a hose 64 when spike 52 is driven therethrough. The spike has a lower pointed end 66 to facilitate driving same through the hose. Portion 54 can have a smooth, outer surface, as shown, or can be externally threaded so that it can be screwed into the hose, if desired.

Spike 52 can be initially straight and bent over to form the L-shaped configuration therefor. The spike will be drilled to form passage 58 before being bent. ln being bent, it is to be understood that passage 58 is not crimped off so as to block the same. A pair of resilient washers 68 and 70 may be provided exteriorly of hose 64 near the holes therein which alre formed when the spike is driven through the hose. These washers serve to seal such holes if such is deemed desirable or necessary. The washers can be flat or curved to conform to the adjacent outer surface portions of the hose. Also, it is to be understood that flat or curved washers could be utilized with any of the embodiments of the aforementioned sprinkler units of FIGS. 1-10.

In the use of sprinkler unit 50., water is directed through hose 64 after spike 52 has: been driven therethrough and after portion 56 has been aimed in the direction in which it is desired that sprinkling take place. When this occurs, the water flows into openings 60, through passage 58 and out of the same at the outer end of portion 56. A specific flow pattern results due to the configuration of the outer end of portion 56.

A further embodiment of a slotted sprinkler unit, denoted by the numeral 70 and shown in FIGS. 12 and 12a, includes a spike 72 having an. upper segment 74 and a lower segment 76, the latter being reduced in diameter with respect to segment 74 to present a tapered shoulder 78 at the junction between the segments. A flathead 80 is mounted on the normally uppermost end of segment 74 and a V-shaped slot 82 is provided in one side of segment 74 and terminates at the lower, flat surface 84 of head 80. Slot 82 is transversely V-shaped (FIG. 12a) and progressively increases in width as head 80 is approached (FIG. 12).

Spike 72 is used with an upper washer 86 having a pair of diverging sides 88 (FIG. 12a) which flare outwardly and define an opening which communicates with slot 82 to direct a water spray outwardly thereof. A lower washer 90 is adapted to surround segment 76 in spaced relationship to shoulder 78. Segment 76 is coupled with a base 92 after segment 76 has passed through a hose 96 formed of a material capable of being pierced. Base 92 has a flat, lower surface 94 which is adapted to rest on the ground.

Segments 74 and 76 can have smooth, outer surfaces or can be externally threaded so that spike 72 can be screwed into hose 96. For purposes of illustration, segment 76 has a lower, externally threaded portion so that it can be screwed into base 92, the latter being of a suitable material for this purpose, such as wood, plastic or the like. Furthermore, washers 86 and 90 will preferably be curved to conform to hose 96. Any part of spike 72 can be tapered to facilitate driving the spike into the hose.

In use, spike 72 is driven through hose 96 until shoulder 78 engages the inner surface 97 of the hose. Shoulder 78, therefore, seals the lower opening through hose 96. Washer 86 is first placed on segment 74, before spike 72 is driven into the hose; thus, washer 86 serves to seal the opening in hose 96 adjacent to head 80. Washer 90 is placed on segment 76 before the latter is coupled to base 92 and the base is placed on the ground or other supporting surface. When spike 72 is in the operative position shown in FIG. 12, slot 82 communicates with the interior of hose 96 so that, when a flow of water has been established in the hose, water can flow out of the hose, through slot 82 and outwardly therefrom through the opening defined by the upper end of slot 82 and by the converging sides 88 of washer 86. The water will then issue from this opening in a predetermined spray pattern. Other spray patterns may be achieved by varying the upper opening configuration formed by slot 82 and sides 88.

Shoulder 78 defined by the two segments 74 and 76 of spike 72 provides an efficient seal inasmuch as the shoulder is in annular surface contact with the inner surface 97 of hose 96. This same feature can be provided, if desired, on spikes 12, 32 and 52 of sprinkler units 10, 30 and 50 of FIGS. 1, and 11, respectively.

The slotted sprinkler unit 100 shown in FIGS. 13 and 13a is a slight modification of sprinkler unit 70 and includes a spike 102 having a pair of integral segments 103 and 104, the latter segment being reduced in cross section with respect to segment 103 to form shoulder 106 which is used for the same purpose as shoulder 78 of sprinkler unit 70 when spike 102 is driven through a hose 107. Sprinkler unit 100 differs from sprinkler unit 70 in that it has a head 108 provided with a lower surface which is substantially complemental to the outer surface of the hose. Also, slot 112 in sprike 102 also extends into the lower surface 109 of head 108, the slot extension in the head being defined by a pair of sides 114 (FIG. 13a) which serve the same purpose as sides 88. A lower, curved washer 116 complemental to hose 107 is held in place by a snap nut 118 and the lower end of spike 102 can be received within or screwed into an opening (not shown) in a base 120 adapted to rest on the ground. Sprinkler unit 100 is used in the same manner as sprinkler unit 70.

In FIG. 14, another embodiment of a tubular sprinkler unit, denoted by the numeral 120, has a spike 122 having an upper segment 123, a lower segment 124, and an annular projection 125 defining an upper support surface 126 and a lower shoulder 127, projection 125 being at the junction of segments 123 and 124. A short, cylindrical segment 128 interconnects segments 123 and 124 and extends upwardly from surface 126. Segment 123 is reduced in cross-section with respect to segment 128 to form a central fluid passage 129 when a sleeve 130 is press-fitted onto segment 128 and engages surface 126. The sleeve has a curved flange 132 at its upper end for conforming to the outer surface of a hose 134 when spike 122 has been driven through the hose until shoulder 127 engages the inner surface 136 of the hose. Shoulder 127 serves the same purpose as shoulders 78 and 106 (FIGS. 12 and 13).

Sleeve 130 has a number of holes 138 therethrough which are adjacent to its inner end. These holes allow water flowing in the hose to enter passage 129 and to flow outwardly of the sleeve through the open top 140 thereof.

A head 142 having a conical, lower surface 144 is provided on the outer end of segment 123. The head is spaced from flange 132 and overlies opening 140 to deflect the water stream issuing from the sleeve. The pattern of the deflected water stream will be conical and water will issue in a 360 spray.

In use, segments 123 and 124 are driven through hose 134 until shoulder 127 engages the inner surface 136 of the hose. When this occurs, flange 132 engages the adjacent outer surface of the hose and segment 124 projects outwardly and downwardly from the hose. Water flowing into and through the hose will enter passage 128 through holes 138 and flow outwardly through the open top of sleeve 130 and be diverted laterally by lower surface 144 of head 142. The spacing between flange 132 and head 142 and the size and configuration of the head will determine the spray pattern of the water issuing from sprinkler unit 120.

The sprinkler unit of FIG. 15, denoted by the numeral 150, is similar in construction to sprinkler unit 120 except that it has no segment corresponding to seg ment 123. To this end, sprinkler unit has a spike 152 having a relatively short segment 154, a relatively long segment 156, and an annular projection 158 between the two segments. Projection 158 defines an upper annular support surface 160 for engaging the inner annular end face of a sleeve 162 which is pressfitted onto segment 154. Projection 158 also defines a lower shoulder 164 for the same purpose as shoulder 127 (FIG. 14).

Sleeve 162 has a number of holes 166 through the sidewall thereof and is provided with an outer, curved end wall 168 having a central hole 170 therein. Wall 168 has a diameter greater than that of sleeve 162 and conforms to and engages the outer surface of a hose 172 when the spike and sleeve, after being coupled together, are driven into and through the hose.

In use, the spike and sleeve are driven into and through hose 172 until shoulder 164 engages the inner surface 174 of the hose. Thus, shoulder 164 seals the lower hole and end wall 168 seals the upper hole, thereby assuring that water flowing into sleeve 162 through holes 166 will flow outwardly from sleeve 162 only through hole 170 in end wall 168. The spray pattern resulting from this waterflow will cause a conical spray issuing upwardly and outwardly from hole 170.

It is to be understood that any parts of the spikes and sleeves of sprinkler units 120 and 150 can be tapered or threaded to facilitate movement thereof into and through corresponding hoses. Also, they can be formed without shoulders 127 and 164, if desired. Further, both sprinkler units could be provided with upper and lower curved washers, if desired.

In FIG. 16, a tubular sprinkler unit 180 has a spike 181 provided with an upper, externally threaded segment 182 and a lower, solid segment 184, with the two segments defining a tapered shoulder 186 therebetween, the shoulder being for the same purpose as shoulders 127 and 164. A pair of holes 188 places the interior of segment 182 in fluid communication with a hose 190 when spike 181 is driven into and through the hose until shoulder 186 engages the inner surface 191 of the hose. The length of segment 182 is such that the upper, open end 194 thereof is exteriorly of hose 190 and this will allow water to exit from segment 182 when a flow of water is established in the hose.

Sprinkler unit 180 is preferably adapted for use with a conventional sprinkler head 196 which has an internally threaded bore whereby it can be threaded onto the upper end of segment 182. The head has a waterflow passage 198 therethrough which is adapted to permit water to issue therefrom in a preselected spray pattern, passage 198 communicating with opening 194 when head 196 is threadably mounted on segment 182.

A sprinkler unit 200, shown in FIGS. 17 and 17a, includes a spike 202 having a cylindrical body 203, a flat head 204 at the upper end of body 203, and has a tapered split collar 206 which has a cylindrical, inner passage 208 adapted to complementally fit over the upper end of body 203 as shown in FIG. 17. Collar 206 is formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic or the like, and has a slot 210 therein (FIG. 17a) extending along the length thereof. It also has an annular, semi-circular band 212 projecting upwardly from the upper face 214 thereof.

In use, body 203 is inserted in collar 206. Then, the body and the collar are driven into a hose 216 until the lower end of the collar engages the inner surface 218 of hose 216 and head 204 engages band 212. When this occurs, the upper end of the collar still projects outwardly from the hose and head 204 is spaced outwardly from the hose since it engages band 212. Water flowing through the hose will enter slot 210 and pass upwardly along the same until it strikes the lower surface of head 204. Then, the water will issue laterally from the head in a direction opposed to band 212.

Body 203 can be tapered or pointed at its lower end to facilitate its being driven through hose 216. Also, body 203 and collar 206 could be externally threaded for this same purpose. They could also be provided with washers, if desired.

I claim:

1. A sprinkler unit comprising: an elongated shaft having an outer surface and having means thereon permitting the shaft to be driven into and through a hose, the length of the shaft being greater than the diameter of the hose to permit a part of the shaft to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft extends through the hose, the shaft having a slot in the outer surface thereof adjacent to one end thereof, the slot being sufficiently long to permit the interior of a hose to be in fluid communication with a region exteriorly thereof when the shaft extends into and through the hose.

2. A sprinkler unit for use with a hose capable of being pierced comprising: an elongated shaft having a head at one end thereof and means adjacent to its opposite end for permitting the shaft to pierce a hose and to move therethrough into an operative position with the head adjacent to the hose, the shaft being sufficiently long with respect to the diameter of the hose to permit the part of the shaft near its opposite end to project outwardly from the hose and to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft is in said operative position, there being a slot in the outer surface of the shaftadjacent to said one end, the slot extending longitudinally of said shaft and at least to the head with the length of the slot being sufficient to place the interior of the hose in fluid communication with a region exteriorly of the hose when the shaft is in said operative position.

3. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head has a flat, lower surface projecting laterally from said one end, the slot terminating at said lower surface.

4. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head has a lower surface projecting laterally from said one end and provided with a groove therein, the groove communicating with the slot and defining an extension therefor.

5. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head is rigidly secured to said shaft. t

6. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head is removably mounted on the shaft and has an annular sidewall provided with an opening therein, the sidewall being mounted on said one end of the shaft in covering relationship to the slot with the opening communicating with the slot.

7. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft has a pair of integral, end-to-end segments, one of the segments having a cross section greaterthan that of the other segment to present a' shoulder therebetween, said slot being in said one segment, said shoulder adapted to engage the inner surface of the hose when said shaft is in said operative position.

8. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 7, wherein is provided a curved washer on the shaft adjacent to the head for engaging the latter and said hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said washer having a notch therein in fluid communication with the adjacent end of the slot.

9. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft has a substantially smooth, outer surface and is provided with a pointed opposite end defining said permitting means.

10. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft is externally threaded.

11. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said head has a lower surface substantially complemental to the outer surface of the hose, said lower surface having a groove therein communicating with the slot and providing an extension therefor. w

12. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft is provided with a pair of integral, end-to-end segments, one of the segments being of a greatercross section than the other segment to present a shoulder at the junction therebetween, the shoulder adapted to engage the inner surface ofa hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a snap nut adapted to be mounted on the other segment after the latter has been driven through the hose to releasably attach the shaft to the hose.

13. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft includes an enlongated body and a split collar removably mounted on the body adjacent to said head, said collar having a slot extending along the length thereof, and means spacing the collar from the head to present a fluid exit port proximal to said head and to the adjacent end of the slot.

14. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein is provided means on the shaft for covering a portion of the open side of the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering and blocking the slot thereof.

15. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 12, wherein the head has a convex, lower surface, the slot having an open, upper end spaced below and aligned with said lower surface.

16. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot is transversely V-shaped.

17. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot is transversely U-shaped.

18. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft is transversely circular, the portion of the shaft adjacent to the head being semi-cylindrical to present a semi-circular notch in said shaft, said notch defining the slot.

19. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot includes a number of circumferentially spaced grooves in the outer surface of the shaft.

20. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein is included a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface, said base having means for coupling the same to said part of the shaft'near said opposite end when the shaft is in said operative position.

21. A sprinkler unit comprising: a shaft having means thereon permitting the same to be driven into and through a hose and into an operative position with respect thereto, the shaft being sufficiently long with respect to the diameter of the hose to permit the part of the shaft near one end thereof to project outwardly from the hose and to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft is in said operative position, the shaft having means thereon near its opposite end for defining a tubular portion having a fluid passage and adapted to partially extend into the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said tubular portion having a hole therethrough for placing said fluid passage in fluid communication with the interior of the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, there being a single fluid outlet port on the tubular portion near said opposite end of the shaft and in fluid communication with said fluid passage.

22. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein the shaft has an L-shaped configuration to present a pair of mutually perpendicular segments, the fluid passage extending therethrough substantially the entire length of one of the segments and partly along the length of the other segment, the openings being in the other segment.

23. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein the shaft includes a pair of segments, one of the segments adapted to be disposed at least partially within the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a sleeve coupled to the shaft and spaced outwardly from said one segment to present said fluid passage therebetween, said sleeve having a hole through the sidewall thereof and provided with an open, outer end, and a head on the outer end of said one segment, said head being spaced from said open end to define therewith said outlet port.

24. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft has a pair of segments, one of the segments adapted to be disposed partially within the hose and the other segment extending outwardly from the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a sleeve removably mounted at one end thereof on said one segment and having an end wall at the opposite end thereof, thewall having a flange thereon for engaging the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said sleeve and said end wall having respective openings therethrough.

25. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft has a pair of segments, one of the segments beingtubular and being threaded at one end thereof, the other segment being rigidly secured to the opposite end of said one segment, the latter having a hole through the side thereof and being open at said one side thereof, and a sprinkler head threadably mounted on said one end.

26. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft includes a pair of end-to-end segments, one of the segments being tubular and having a diameter greater than that of the other segment.

1: a: It a: 4: 

1. A sprinkler unit comprising: an elongated shaft having an outer surface and having means thereon permitting the shaft to be driven into and through a hose, the length of the shaft being greater than the diameter of the hose to permit a part of the shaft to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft extends through the hose, the shaft having a slot in the outer surface thereof adjacent to one end thereof, the slot being sufficiently long to permit the interior of a hose to be in fluid communication with a region exteriorly thereof when the shaft extends into and through the hose.
 2. A sprinkler unit for use with a hose capable of being pierced comprising: an elongated shaft having a head at one end thereof and means adjacent to its opposite end for permitting the shaft to pierce a hose and to move therethrough into an operative position with the head adjacent to the hose, the shaft being sufficiently long with respect to the diameter of the hose to permit the part of the shaft near its opposite end to project outwardly from the hose and to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft is in said operative position, there being a slot in the outer surface of the shaft adjacent to said one end, the slot extending longitudinally of said shaft and at least to the head with the length of the slot being sufficient to place the interior of the hose in fluid communication with a region exteriorly of the hose when the shaft is in said operative position.
 3. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head has a flat, lower surface projecting laterally from said one end, the slot terminating at said lower surface.
 4. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head has a lower surface projecting laterally from said one end and provided with a groove therein, the groove communicating with the slot and defining an extension therefor.
 5. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head is rigidly secured to said shaft.
 6. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the head is removably mounted on the shaft and has an annular sidewall provided with an opening therein, the sidewall being mounted on said one end of the shaft in covering relationship to the slot with the opening communicating with the slot.
 7. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft has a pair of integral, end-to-end segments, one of the segments having a cross section greater than that of the other segment to present a shoulder therebetween, said slot being in said one segment, said shoulder adapted to engage the inner surface of the hose when said shaft is in said operative position.
 8. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 7, wherein is provided a curved washer on the shaft adjacent to the head for engaging the latter and said hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said washer having a notch therein in fluid communication with the adjacent end of the slot.
 9. A sprinker unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft has a substantially smooth, outer surface and is provided with a pointed opposite end defining said permitting means.
 10. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft is externally threaded.
 11. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said head has a lower surface substantially complemental to the outer surface of the hose, said lower surface having a groove therein communicating with the slot and providIng an extension therefor.
 12. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft is provided with a pair of integral, end-to-end segments, one of the segments being of a greater cross section than the other segment to present a shoulder at the junction therebetween, the shoulder adapted to engage the inner surface of a hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a snap nut adapted to be mounted on the other segment after the latter has been driven through the hose to releasably attach the shaft to the hose.
 13. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the shaft includes an enlongated body and a split collar removably mounted on the body adjacent to said head, said collar having a slot extending along the length thereof, and means spacing the collar from the head to present a fluid exit port proximal to said head and to the adjacent end of the slot.
 14. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein is provided means on the shaft for covering a portion of the open side of the slot to prevent foreign matter from entering and blocking the slot thereof.
 15. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 12, wherein the head has a convex, lower surface, the slot having an open, upper end spaced below and aligned with said lower surface.
 16. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot is transversely V-shaped.
 17. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot is transversely U-shaped.
 18. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein said shaft is transversely circular, the portion of the shaft adjacent to the head being semi-cylindrical to present a semi-circular notch in said shaft, said notch defining the slot.
 19. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the slot includes a number of circumferentially spaced grooves in the outer surface of the shaft.
 20. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein is included a base adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface, said base having means for coupling the same to said part of the shaft near said opposite end when the shaft is in said operative position.
 21. A sprinkler unit comprising: a shaft having means thereon permitting the same to be driven into and through a hose and into an operative position with respect thereto, the shaft being sufficiently long with respect to the diameter of the hose to permit the part of the shaft near one end thereof to project outwardly from the hose and to be used to anchor the hose with respect to the ground when the shaft is in said operative position, the shaft having means thereon near its opposite end for defining a tubular portion having a fluid passage and adapted to partially extend into the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said tubular portion having a hole therethrough for placing said fluid passage in fluid communication with the interior of the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, there being a single fluid outlet port on the tubular portion near said opposite end of the shaft and in fluid communication with said fluid passage.
 22. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein the shaft has an L-shaped configuration to present a pair of mutually perpendicular segments, the fluid passage extending therethrough substantially the entire length of one of the segments and partly along the length of the other segment, the openings being in the other segment.
 23. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein the shaft includes a pair of segments, one of the segments adapted to be disposed at least partially within the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a sleeve coupled to the shaft and spaced outwardly from said one segment to present said fluid passage therebetween, said sleeve having a hole through the sidewall thereof and provided with an open, outer end, and a head on the outer end of said one segment, said head being spaced from said open end to define therewith said outlet port.
 24. A sprInkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft has a pair of segments, one of the segments adapted to be disposed partially within the hose and the other segment extending outwardly from the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, and a sleeve removably mounted at one end thereof on said one segment and having an end wall at the opposite end thereof, the wall having a flange thereon for engaging the hose when the shaft is in said operative position, said sleeve and said end wall having respective openings therethrough.
 25. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft has a pair of segments, one of the segments being tubular and being threaded at one end thereof, the other segment being rigidly secured to the opposite end of said one segment, the latter having a hole through the side thereof and being open at said one side thereof, and a sprinkler head threadably mounted on said one end.
 26. A sprinkler unit as set forth in claim 21, wherein said shaft includes a pair of end-to-end segments, one of the segments being tubular and having a diameter greater than that of the other segment. 